This Is Awesome!

She’s Alive… Beautiful… Finite… Hurting… Worth Dying for.

This is a non-commercial attempt to highlight the fact that world leaders, irresponsible corporates and mindless ‘consumers’ are combining to destroy life on…

Turn up the sound, sit back, breathe and enjoy the wonder.

Mother Earth is trying to tell us something. I hope that this will open your eyes to her beauty.

Breathe …. as the green future unfolds.

Philippines Monster Crocodile Caught

I don’t know if you have been watching Swamp People on Discovery Channel but they just got done with their gathering of crocs/alligators in Louisiana for the season and they brought in some big ones. But the Philippines has outdone themselves.

They have captured a 1 ton 21 foot saltwater monster. They captured it alive! Unbelievable! They have decided to make it the star of a planned ecotourism park.

To take a peek at this monster, click here and enjoy the view.

Crocodiles … as the green future unfolds.

General Sam Would Be Extremely Proud Of His Sustainable Namesake And Her Green World Class Medical Center

photo credit: inhabitat.com

Just outside of downtown Houston is home to the world’s largest medical complex the Texas Medical Center (TMC), a campus encompassing a cluster of 42 university-affiliated schools, hospitals and clinics. One of which is TIRR Memorial Hermann the one U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, who survived a bullet through her brain, was transferred this week.

Houston, Texas is built on the coastal plain of the Gulf of Mexico, only 43 feet (13.1 meters) above sea level, and with four major bayous passing through the city, it has the moniker of “The Bayou City”. Add to this, 175 years of unrelenting urban sprawl has made flooding a recurring problem. With that in mind, starting nearly two decades ago the Texas Medical Center started earnestly researching avenues for storm water management.

Since then, searching for the solution to this one problem has morphed into multi-faceted remedies for at least three problems, especially over the last decade. Two are environmental; flooding and cooling (which directly relates to energy use), and the third is holistic (for the treatment of patients’ spirit during hospital/clinical treatment).

In June 2004, the new sustainable UT School of Nursing was completed with innovative use of natural daylight, new techniques in window glazing and sun control devices, an under-floor air distribution system, and individualized temperature controls are all integrated into the design. Water-recovery tanks and troughs will collect rainwater from the roof and sides of the building to make the facility largely self-sufficient for the estimated 42,000 gallons it will use each month for irrigation and toilet flushing. The building is even designed to accommodate a future on-site waste treatment unit targeting zero discharge to City sewer systems, and a roof-mounted photovoltaic system for on-site power generation.

photo credit: inhabitat.com

In 2005 the TMC organization released it’s Design Guidelines for Stormwater Management for the development of a site and their relationship to storm water management and natural drainage systems by maintaining or restoring the site’s natural (pre-development) capacity to manage storm water.

Guidelines
1 Comprehensive Site Design
2 Construction Management
3 Alternative Landscaping Strategies
4 Alternative Paving Systems
5 Bio retention Systems
6 Surface Detention Basins
7 Underground Detention Systems
8 Parking Lots and Parking Structures
9 Green Roof Cover
10 Active Flood Protection
11 Passive Flood Protection
12 Utilities Protection

It is the expectation of the Texas Medical Center that member institutions take the necessary steps to improve the effectiveness of storm water management on their sites and stressing the fact that addition to attenuating flood waters, a sustainable approach helps to prevent increases in flood or water pollution risk downstream.

The 5,500-square foot green roof at the University of Texas School of Public Health building is one of the first in Houston to completely replace the conventional toppings of gravel, shingles or tile with the cooling, water absorbing and pollution filtering properties of green plants. The primary benefit of the green roof is to shield the underlying membrane from harsh sun and heat. The plants are growing on a substrate placed on the roof, an engineering challenge since weight of wet soil 4 to 6 inches in depth will vary from 20 to 30 pounds per square foot, depending on the amount of organic matter. It was observed that when the rooftop temperature was 101 degrees, temperatures under the growing medium averaged 70 degrees. Studies have shown that a 4 inch thick layer of relatively dry growing medium can absorb an inch of rain before the water runs off the roof.

Just a few blocks down from the TMC is the offices of Intexure Architects, a sustainable architectual firm that took on a project to transform the top of an underutilized parking garage into a tranquil oasis and meditative garden within the TMC. As the photos show, the distinct areas form outdoor rooms for gathering or individual contemplation. The space is used frequently by those undergoing medical treatment for finding quiet respite amidst the noise and haste. Not only reduce storm water runoff, it also reduces solar heat gain, provides air purification in a natural habitat.

The 21-acre site of the former Nabisco bakery was purchased by the TMC and was converted into a facility for laboratory space, research purposes, classrooms and office space. The 51-year old building was renovated and reused, a critical first step in resource conservation. Sustainable design components include the use of native plantings and extensive landscaping. This one I just had to add to the article because it is good to hear something sustainably good become of a place that had early olfactory memories for me – when it was a bakery, the smell that use to permeate that part of the city would make an infant’s mouth water…. Just sayin’…….

….. as the green future unfolds.

Lagniappes, From And To, Earth And Her Kids

The leaves are starting to turn and fall. A gentle wind catches and sails them across a dusty road, so calmingly beautiful. Gratitude is the dominate feeling, a little R&R from the normal stress of life we put upon ourselves.

Earth’s seasonal changes didn’t have to be so gracefully choreographed, leaving each one of us silently relishing Mother Nature’s little lagniappe moments. Lagniappe – pronounced lan-yap, originating in Spain – a Cajun word meaning “a little something extra”, like a bakers dozen (13 instead of 12 of an item), just for the kindness of it. Her gift to invoke our instinctive delight in the beauty that comes with seasonal changes and the enjoyment in the differences of our planet’s climate. (A cosmic instinct we should cultivate when engaging the differences of one another.)

Earth takes care of us, in seemingly intelligent and loving ways. And how are we reciprocating? Well, keep smiling because here’s a little lagniappe from us to her, scientists from the World Agroforestry Centre (WAC) found through detailed satellite imagery, that on almost half of all farmed landscapes around the world, landowners are either sparing some existing trees or planting new ones, leading to what the study calls “significant” tree cover. In fact, on more than 1 billion hectares (2.5 billion acres) of farmland, which is twice the size of the Amazon, tree cover exceeds 10%. That’s a huge increase from previous estimates, which were as low as 50,000 hectares.

So if only for a moment, no matter where you are on Earth, pause and let the soft autumn (or spring) wind blow through your hair and throw a little thanks into the universe. Thanks to whomever your good deity may be, God, Allah, Wonka Tonka, or the intelligent universal science of nature that can gel stardust into a beautiful planet with changing seasons and beings with the intelligence to stand in awe and enjoyment.

…  as the green future unfolds.

We need more people to get involved and stop them from gutting this crucial law.

This week marks the 40th anniversary of this crucial law — a day to celebrate 40 years of progress. But if the fossil fuel industry gets its way, we will be helpless to stop polluters from dumping hundreds of thousands of tons of greenhouse gases into the air each year, as if it were an open sewer.

Watch the new Clean Air Act video today and share it with your friends and family.

Running In Lane Two – 2016 Rio de Janeiro’s Green Olympics

Rio de Janeiro stands out for its natural beauty. It is a metropolis that has managed to retain its natural wealth of beautiful beaches, mountains and green areas.

For the 2016 Games, Rio has aspired to build one of the most awe-inspiring, incredibly beautiful, sustainable structures ever seen – the Solar City Tower, designed by Zurich, Switzerland based RAFAA Architecture & Design. A vertical structure on the island of Cotonduba, designed as a lasting symbol of welcome to visitors arriving in Rio by either sea or air. Looking like a futuristic waterfall, the Solar City Tower is a renewable energy generating tower and the Olympic Flame cauldron.

This self-sustaining tower for the 2016 Olympic Games is designed to create renewable energy for use in the Olympic Village as well as the city of Rio. A large solar power plant generates energy during the day. The surplus energy produced is utilized to pump sea water into a storage tank and piped up, (all within the tower) to create the waterfall outside. This waterfall simultaneously turns the turbines producing energy. At night the water is released from the storage tank, though the waterfall, to the power turbines, providing nighttime power for the city. Simply beautiful!

The eco tower’s ground floor entrance is through a plaza and amphitheater 60m (197′), above sea level, which can be used for social gatherings. On the ocean side of the 105m (344′), tower (behind the waterfall) is an auditorium, cafeteria and shops. An elevator takes visitors up to the top floor where an observation deck offers 360° views of the ocean and city. An elevator leads to various observation areas and a retractable platform for bungee jumping 90.5m (297′) above the ground.

Now let’s talk about being ahead of the green curve. After years of deforestation and crop-growing (mainly coffee), Rio’s Tijuca Forest, located in the middle of the city, was reforested – in the nineteenth century! Covering around 3,200 hectares, the largest urban forest in the world brings together much of the fauna and flora typical of the Brazilian coast. The reforestation was a pioneering initiative for Latin America and mainly involved species native to the Atlantic Forest ecosystem. Today, it is well equipped for visits, and is a particularly stunning location for bicycle rides, running and hiking.

Rio 2016 modeled its Olympic Delivery Authority after the ODA established for the London 2012 Olympic Games, a model pioneered for the 2000 Sydney Games. The Brazilian model was improved and adapted to national characteristics to transform the city by bringing benefits and opportunities for residents through new infrastructure such as traffic and transport and social, sustainability and environmental programs.

One of the environmental pledges made by the Rio 2016 Bid Committee was the cleaning of Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, one of Rio’s most beautiful locations and planned venue for rowing and flat-water canoe/kayak competitions of the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games. As of today, it has never been so clean. According to the State Environment Institute (INEA), the water quality has improved by 92% since 2006 and is now nearly up to standards required for recreational swimming. This large scale project has included the cleaning of drains and upgrading of eight sewage lifts around the shoreline. One of which is the Caiçaras sewage lift, a project worth half a million reais which will benefit 60 thousand people in the neighborhoods of Ipanema and Leblon.

The sustainability and environment program of the Rio 2016 bid is focused on four proposals: water conservation, renewable energy, and a goal to be carbon-neutral.

It’s getting exciting …

…. as the green future unfolds.

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First Up – 2012 London’s Green Olympics

For the London 2012 Games , the Brits are creating venues, facilities and infrastructure that will leave a lasting social, economic and environmental legacy for London and the UK. The site remediation will bring existing land back into public use and create significant improvements in the quantity and quality of green space in east London.

Everything about the project is designed to champion low-waste, low carbon emissions, and green transportation. Timber used in the construction of venues is from fully traceable legal and sustainable sources, public transport will be promoted as the best way to get around, and all energy generated will be renewable.

The creation of new infrastructure, sporting facilities and housing in an area currently experiencing high levels of deprivation will help to create neighborhoods and vibrant places after the Games are over, where people will want to live, work and play. They are reconnecting communities by building more than 30 bridges across waterways, railways and roads that currently divide the Olympic Park area.

With a goal to to make London 2012 the first sustainable Olympic Games, the London Olympic Authority is:

Constructing each building and stadium to meet specific targets. Such as the collection of rainwater, to meet a water reduction target of 40%. By optimizing the opportunities for efficient water use London is creating 100 hectares of green spaces, which are designed to reduce the risk of flooding in the river valley and enrich the biodiversity of the Lower Lea Valley.

Working with the construction products industry to help source environmentally friendly and ethically produced materials that will help create a low carbon construction.

Appointed a waste management contractor to sort, compact and transport waste by barge from the site, 90% of which will be recycled or reused.

Creating an Energy Centre that is sustainable and flexible (for future technological growth), utilizing a biomass boiler that uses woodchips as fuel to generate heat, and a natural gas powered Combined Cooling, Heat and Power plant (CCHP).

Through a whole host of new innovations, the London Olympic Authority is aiming to cut the entire project’s carbon footprint by 50% and striving to put their stamp on the greenest Olympics yet.

But, if they achieve that goal, the record may not be long lived. Because close on their heels is ….. stay tuned for Part Two of ‘A Green Contest Of OLYMPIC Proportions’ … coming this Thursday …..

….. as the green future unfolds.

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Producing Green Energy From A Variety Of Waste And Knocking Down Global Warming At The Same Time – Priceless !

Echo Energy Group, based out of South Carolina, is driven towards the total realization of the Waste To Energy (WTE) program. In its pursuit to serve industries and communities, Echo Energy provides a solution to trash reduction and resources optimization. Echo Energy Group has introduced an outstanding innovation in waste disposal: gasification. Echo Energy’s gasification technology was developed by NASA in the early 1980s and has been successfully tried and tested by the Department of Energy. This breakthrough in waste management gives communities and industries a great opportunity to profit and at the same time uphold a cleaner and greener environment for our present and future generations.

A gasifier is not an incinerator. Gasification is a process that heats and converts carbon based feedstocks into combustible fuel comprised largely of carbon monoxide and hydrogen. In the gasifer, a limited amount of air is used to partially combust a fraction of the fuel. The heat generated breaks down the remaining feedstock to form a gas, commonly called syngas or producer gas. This highly combustible gas can be readily burned to provide process heat and steam or produce renewable electricity. During the process, contaminants that are unsafe to Mother Earth (e.g. sulfur oxide and nitrous oxide) are removed. Moreover, the presence of carbon dioxide is also captured to reduce greenhouse emissions. Thus, the importance of gasification lies in the drawing out of energy from various types of organic resources and the elimination of its destructive elements.

The byproduct of the gasification process is bio-char, used for soil remediation, plastic, steel, glass, fabric, paint, ink and many other manufacturing processes. Plus bio-char is a way for carbon to be drawn from the atmosphere and since bio-char can sequester carbon in the soil for hundreds to thousands of years, it has received considerable interest as a potential tool to slow global warming. The burning and natural decomposition of trees and agricultural matter contributes a large amount of CO2 released to the atmosphere. Bio-char can store this carbon in the ground, potentially making a significant reduction in atmospheric GHG (Green House Gas) levels and at the same time its presence in the earth can improve water quality, increase soil fertility, raise agricultural productivity

Echo Energy’s gasifier is a modular design for ease of installation as well as the ability to add capacity. It offers the most efficient and effective energy producing gasification technology on the market today. Their technology allows for the process of previously unusable waste material to create electricity to power our schools, businesses and homes.

Guaranteed ZERO harmful emission.
Operates with a power of 30 megawatts with 1,000 TPD (tons per day of waste)
.6 x Tons Per Day (TPD) = mW created, for example: 1,000 TPD x .6 = 600 mW per day (1mW powers 5,000 homes).
It extends the life of existing landfills up to 20 times longer (200 years) through 90% mass reduction.
Processes multiple feedstocks and other wastes such as Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), Tire Derived Fuels (TDF)-(What? Old tires! Thank you!), agricultural residues, corn stovers and cobs, rice straws or wheat straws, oat hulls, bran, wood chips and barks, urban trimmings, C & D wastes, bio-refining residues, energy crops, sugar cane biogases, landfill gases, bio-solids and paper sludge.

Echo Energy’s process utilizes a large, slow-turning auger to move feedstock through the gasification chamber. This offers the advantage of controlled retention time, allowing the feedstock flow to be slowed down or sped up, depending on need. Separate air zone stages and gas bypass duct provide added control and flexibility, giving Echo’s gasification technology the ability to process a wide range of different feedstocks, including those with high-moisture content (<50%) and minimal size reduction.

View a video of their gasification process.

This sounds like a most efficient path to take …

… as the green future unfolds.

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Dear Germany, When You Get To The Green Future, Please Throw The Rest Of Us A Rope!

Hailing from Freiburg, Germany, Rolf Disch is a renowned architect that has put his little city front and center on the eco-map. Literally transforming Freiburg into Germany’s eco-capital where about 35% of residents don’t own a car and new homes routinely incorporate photovoltaic panels. And now, a popular destination for tourist world-wide seeking the reality of sustainable architecture and the inspiration for better eco-friendly housing options for their future.

Disch was green when green was just another color in the light spectrum. Back in 1994, he designed and built the Heliotrope as his own private residence. A one-of-a-kind design, the first building in the world to create more energy than it uses. Producing about 5 times more, entirely renewable, emissions free and CO2 neutral, energy than his home can use. The rooftop’s dual-axis solar photovoltaic tracking array revolves to catch the sun’s rays, while the house itself rotates in the opposite direction to maximize solar shading. The Heliotrope also has a geothermal heat exchanger, a combined heat and power unit (CHP) and solar-thermal balcony railings to provide heat and warm water, a grey-water cleansing system and built-in natural waste composting.

Around that same time frame, Disch’s firm was commissioned and built two more Heliotropes, a visitor’s center and showroom in Offenburg, Germany, and a technical dental laboratory in Hilpoltstein, Bavaria.

However, what really started the influx of eco-pilgrims to Freiburg, and lately, has the news outlets all aflutter, is Disch’s completed and occupied projects, the Sonnenschiff (Solar Ship) and Solarsiedlung (Solar Village). A complex that is a power producing neighborhood, producing 4 times the energy than it consumes. Integrating 52 homes, a mixed space for residential and commercial buildings, incorporating a series of large rooftop solar arrays that double as sun shades. Putting the homes on top of the business’. The homes are protected from wind and from street noise by a nearly 10 foot (3 meter) high glazed screen, and have their own “sky garden” on top of the commercial space. Glass facades, windows and doors have triple-glazing.

There is no mechanical air-conditioning (well, we ain’t talkin’ Texas, kids). Instead, the design relies on passive cross-ventilation and night-time ventilation. Brightly colored composite panel screens with side vents project almost 18 inches (400 mm) from the main building. Behind them are “doors” that can be opened at night to allow cool air to enter the building through the side vents, without fear of burglary. The walls are made from timber panels, timber-metal composite panels and vacuum sandwiched panels that are 1.5 inches (40 mm) deep, but achieve the same U-value as 15.7 inches (400 mm) of insulation thickness. With enough rooftop photovoltaic arrays that brings them up to Energy Plus standard. Meaning not Net Zero, but Net Positive, and selling the excess back to the grid.

But, one video is worth a couple of thousand words, so ….

We all know we’ve created a serious health problem for our planet. Germany not only jumped on that Green Train, they’ve cranked it up and are tenaciously propelling it down the sustainable future track. Meanwhile, back on this side of the Earth ranch, nit-wits are clamoring around forming committees, to organize feasibility studies into the cost of forming committees to investigate the conceptual ways of possibly ridding ourselves of our fossil fuel addiction and if cost effective, other avenues for sustainable living – MAYBE! Yes, America, I’m talking about US!

… as the green future unfolds

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Now, let’s set this anthem as our goal for the love of our posterity.

We were the future that Woody was speaking of.

Please take the time to view this video!

… as the green future unfolds!

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